Examination Technique

Give yourself enough time to get to your examination room without having to rush.

Would it help to attend a subject ‘warm-up’ session just before your examination?

Make sure that you have all equipment/books needed for the examination.

Make sure you know which examination room to go to. The rooming lists for that day’s examinations will be on the Examination Notice Board, opposite Mr Merifield’s office.

Enter the examination room in silence and find your place.

HAND IN YOUR MOBILE PHONE BEFORE YOU SIT AT YOUR EXAMINATION DESK HAND IN YOUR MOBILE PHONE BEFORE YOU SIT AT YOUR EXAMINATION DESK. Don’t leave it in your pocket – even if it’s turned off.

When you’ve sat down at your desk and are waiting for everyone else to find their place – read the rubric on the front of the paper to remind yourself of the instructions for that particular subject.

Is it a subject where you answer ALL questions? Is it a subject where you only answer questions on texts you have studied?

The examination has begun:

Underline these key words so that you don’t forget. Read the questions carefully. Look for key words/phrases that tell you what to do – “compare”, “illustrate your answer”, “describe and explain”, “evaluate”.. Does the answer have to be in a given form – “to 1 decimal place”, “to 2 significant figures”, “referring to examples”,..? Underline these key words so that you don’t forget.

Look at how many marks are given for the answer. 1 mark - you need give the answer only. If more than 1 mark – you need to show some further detail e.g. your working out. The marks available should guide the time you spend answering the question.

If you become ill, need extra paper, feel there is something wrong - put your hand up to attract the attention of an invigilator.

Remember though – the invigilator is not allowed to help by reading or explaining the question. Just try to answer the question as best you can.

Remember an examination isn’t a race Remember an examination isn’t a race. If you finish very early, check carefully that you’ve answered all the questions you should.

When you’ve finished all your answers, check carefully what you have written and that your meaning is clear. Remember marks are lost for careless presentation and spelling mistakes.

At the end of the examination, carefully follow the instructions of the invigilators. Make sure that you take all your materials with you. Leave the room in silence – there may be other students still working.